‘We Have And Will Always Be On The Side Of Our Fantastic Local Businesses’-Council Leader Responds To Business Fears After Horrendous Hikes.

Following two exclusive articles in The Havering Daily on how Hornchurch businesses are struggling and facing closure due to business rate hikes that have more than doubled-Havering’s Leader of The Council has issued a statement below.

Councillor Ray Morgon-

“A Government increase in business rates and a reduction in business rate relief has put added pressure on businesses who are already struggling with increases in costs that include National Insurance Employer contributions.

“This increase means that many are now seeing a tougher and bleaker future despite Government assurances on growing and supporting the economy.

“Business rates are set by a Government agency – the Valuation Office -but are collected by local councils like us.

“However, in London we only see 30% of the amount collected. The Government take 33% and the GLA 37%.

“As a council, we are trying to do all we can to support our businesses.

“That includes launching a new ‘Buy Local’ campaign (Keep It Local) to encourage residents to spend their money with local businesses, shops, trades people and the hospitality industry.

“We have also relaunched our annual small business awards.

“We have two great BIDs in Romford and Rainham, and we are now working on a new one in Hornchurch.

“We have successfully bid for the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and we have made our apprenticeship levy available for businesses to take on new apprentices.

“With regards to business rates, we will ensure that all eligible businesses receive the reliefs and support they are entitled to, continue to advocate on their behalf for a fairer, more sustainable business rates system, and provide guidance and support around payment options, or further assistance where appropriate.

“We have and will always be on the side of our fantastic local businesses.

“We will now lobby our local MPs to highlight the pain that the changes are causing to our local businesses and do all we can to look at other opportunities to support our local economy.”

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